Police, youth workers and community safety officers have come together to tackle the problem of "mindless and stupid" youth crime, which is plaguing west Oxfordshire.

Vandalism - most of it committed by young people high on drink or drugs - accounted for more than 40 per cent of reported crime in the district last year.

Concerns over groups of youths has also been identified as a major concern among intimidated householders.

But a new approach by police and those working with young people is tackling the problem head on.

This week, west Oxfordshire's most senior policeman, Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, unveiled a set of measures designed to make neighbourhoods nicer places to live.

The multi-pronged approach will see: More high-profile policing in areas where young people gather at night Covert monitoring of rowdy behaviour Letters being sent to parents of young people seen drinking, swearing, harassing passers-by or damaging property.

Mr Evernden, area commander for west Oxfordshire, said: "One thing we are doing to reduce the fear of crime is tackling antisocial behaviour.

"The vast majority of it is spontaneous and alcohol-related. It is totally mindless and stupid.

"This is what is causing people most concern. People are going to bed worried about whether their wing mirrors are going to be broken off again."

At the heart of the initiative is Witney's Base 33 youth centre, the home of the Witney Ecumenical Youth Project, and the venue chosen by Witney MP David Cameron to unveil his own vision of social responsibility earlier this year.

The centre, which also works with those excluded or at risk of exclusion from school, has been given £15,000 from the Community Safety Partnership to expand its work. This includes increasing outreach sessions, in which youth workers meet groups of young people in streets and parks at night. These will be stepped up in Witney, and extended to Carterton and Chipping Norton.

It will also allow the centre to hold more social events - including alcohol-free 'dry' club nights, sports activities, and football matches.

Youth worker Laura Jones said: "This money is very important and will allow us to continue with our successful projects and set up new ones."

Pc Chris Skae, youth issues officer for west Oxfordshire, said: "The vast majority of young people are great. There are only a few that come to our attention, and a lot of that is down to thoughtlessness and not being aware of the consequences of what they are doing. We are working in partnership to make a difference - and making our neighbourhoods nicer places to live."